2023 RUGBY WORLD CUP BAROMETER

PLAYER OF THE WEEK La Rochelle’s Will Skelton

field position. Veteran Alex Goode and season sensation Joe Carpenter will be key in gathering any high balls and launching attack plays.

BEN EARL VS TOM CURRY

With Sale captain Ben Curry out injured due to an issue sustained in the semi-final, his brother Tom is likely to go up against the mighty Ben Earl. The battle for the ball will be a key factor in gaining possession.

In the biggest ever Champions Cup final comeback, one man stood out for winners La Rochelle. Will Skelton yet again was one of the best players on the pitch, but that is nothing new for the 31-year-old New Zealand-born Australian international. Saturday’s final was his fifth – two with Saracens and three with current club La Rochelle – and the lock has won four. He is a workhorse for the big occasion, and someone Australia head coach Eddie Jones will be keeping an eye on. Australia are rebuilding before the Rugby World Cup, but 19-cap Skelton must be part of that side.

WHO’S HOT WHO’S NOT